Talking Animals

Laura Flynn Amato "Madonna Of The Mills"

Laura Flynn Amato–a Staten Island woman now credited with rescuing upwards of 5000 dogs from puppy mills in and around Lancaster, PA, and as such, is the titular figure of the documentary, “Madonna Of The Mills”–discusses how she learned of the puppy mills in Lancaster, chiefly operated by the Amish and Mennonite, and how as a lifelong animal lover, she sprung into action rescuing these dogs.

 

 

She explains how she gained and held the trust of of the puppy mill owners, and how a typical day of rescue dogs there would unfold.

Laura also describes how the rescued dogs are then made available for adoption–after careful fostering (these skittish canines have lived in cages, with no exercise, no grass, no toys, no treats, no socializing or human touch) and, often, Shy Dog classes.

She addresses the legislation and enforcement issues swirling around the operation of puppy mills, and how the frequently-lax inspection and citing of violations falls under the purview of the USDA.

COMEDY CORNER: Marc Maron’s “Cat Guy” (portion) (www.WTFpod.com)

MUSIC: The Hollywood Flames’ “Two Little Bees,” Manana’s “Make A Tiger,” Jenny And Johnny’s “Animal,” instrumentals

NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Maria Muldaur’s version of “Animal Crackers In My Soup”